2008 Woodie Awards
NFL Draft Recaps, Winners, and Losers
Chris Callaway
Issue date: 4/30/08 Section: Sports
The first round of the 2008 NFL draft was more appealing than ever to the television audience. Time between picks was shortened, teams were seemingly trading every other pick, and, of course, the annual quarterbacks dropping like a lead balloon. The first round was dominated by lineman and running backs, while the wide receiver craze didn't hit till the second round.
The Packers took a conservative route on the draft's first day, trading pick 30 to the New York Jets for second and fourth round picks. With their first pick, number 36 overall, Green Bay took Kansas State WR Jordy Nelson. While Nelson may not be a household name, he quietly gained over 1,600 yards last season as a Wildcat, earning first-team All-American recognition.
In the second round, the Packers selected Louisville QB Brian Brohm. After being initially surprised, the rationalization of the pick set in. Green Bay will need a backup, and Brohm will also provide the nip on the heels that Aaron Rodgers will need in training camp. Ted Thompson got a bargain at pick 56, as Brohm was projected to go in the first round before a sluggish senior season.
Green Bay then addressed needs in the later rounds, drafting a cornerback, Patrick Lee of Auburn, a 6'5" tight end in Jermichael Finley from Texas, a defensive end in Jeremy Thompson from Wake Forest, and back to back offensive linemen in the fourth and fifth rounds.
The Vikings had few draft picks, after trading away their first round pick and two third rounders to Kansas City for All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen. That acquisition shifted much of their focus away from the draft, as it left them with only five total picks. With their first pick, Minnesota took Tyrell Johnson, a safety/special teamer from Arkansas State. In round five, the Vikings snatched up USC quarterback John David Booty, who will compete with Tarvaris Jackson in camp. With their later picks, they took a defensive tackle and center to back up Pro Bowlers Kevin and Pat Williams and Matt Birk.
The Packers took a conservative route on the draft's first day, trading pick 30 to the New York Jets for second and fourth round picks. With their first pick, number 36 overall, Green Bay took Kansas State WR Jordy Nelson. While Nelson may not be a household name, he quietly gained over 1,600 yards last season as a Wildcat, earning first-team All-American recognition.
In the second round, the Packers selected Louisville QB Brian Brohm. After being initially surprised, the rationalization of the pick set in. Green Bay will need a backup, and Brohm will also provide the nip on the heels that Aaron Rodgers will need in training camp. Ted Thompson got a bargain at pick 56, as Brohm was projected to go in the first round before a sluggish senior season.
Green Bay then addressed needs in the later rounds, drafting a cornerback, Patrick Lee of Auburn, a 6'5" tight end in Jermichael Finley from Texas, a defensive end in Jeremy Thompson from Wake Forest, and back to back offensive linemen in the fourth and fifth rounds.
The Vikings had few draft picks, after trading away their first round pick and two third rounders to Kansas City for All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen. That acquisition shifted much of their focus away from the draft, as it left them with only five total picks. With their first pick, Minnesota took Tyrell Johnson, a safety/special teamer from Arkansas State. In round five, the Vikings snatched up USC quarterback John David Booty, who will compete with Tarvaris Jackson in camp. With their later picks, they took a defensive tackle and center to back up Pro Bowlers Kevin and Pat Williams and Matt Birk.
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